KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — In conjunction with 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the spirit of friendship between the two countries should be nurtured and maintained.
Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said the spirit of friendship between Malaysia and China that has been forged for half a century should be nurtured and maintained for the next generation.
The close cooperation in various fields, like trade, education, and culture opens up new opportunities for mutual progress.
"Let us continue to be united in ensuring the sustainability of friendship between Malaysia and China in the journey forward to achieve success and prosperity together," Zahid said.
He on his first official visit to China from May 22 to tomorrow. Zahid met with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang at the Diaoyutai National Guest House today.
He said the meeting was important in strengthening the bond of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and China.
[caption id="attachment_358643" align="aligncenter" width="976"] (from left to right) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his courtesy call on the latter at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, as part of his inaugural official visit to China, on May 29, 2024. — Picture via FACEBOOK/ZAHID HAMIDI[/caption]
"We are determined to continue the legacy of past leaders who had fought for mutually beneficial relations for our countries," Zahid said.
The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations, co-hosted by the China People's Friendship Association with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.
Later, he will pay a courtesy call to the State Counselor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in the Chinese capital today afternoon.
Zahid will then host the gala reception for the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations in the evening.
The Foreign Ministry said his official visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and is expected to explore cooperation opportunities, especially in education, focusing on TVET and the halal industry, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
— Bernama
[caption id="attachment_358826" align="aligncenter" width="980"] (from left to right) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shakes hands with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, as part of his official visit to China, on May 31, 2024. — Picture by FACEBOOK/ZAHID HAMIDI[/caption]